In late June, the water lilies at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens are in full bloom. The land of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens was initially bought by W.B. Shaw, who farmed water lilies in the marshes as a hobby, eventually turning it into a large commercial endeavor and developing many new varieties of lilies through hybridization. When Shaw passed away, his daughter, Helen Fowler, continued the business. In the 1920s and 30s, with her permission for visitors to view the lilies on Sunday...more »

In late June, the water lilies at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens are in full bloom. The land of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens was initially bought by W.B. Shaw, who farmed water lilies in the marshes as a hobby, eventually turning it into a large commercial endeavor and developing many new varieties of lilies through hybridization. When Shaw passed away, his daughter, Helen Fowler, continued the business. In the 1920s and 30s, with her permission for visitors to view the lilies on Sunday mornings, the farm began to receive up to 5,000-6,000 visitors in a single day. Eventually, she donated the land to the National Park System, and Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens as we know it today was born.« less